Letters to the editor

I've done my part...

Hello there. It's Doug Ryan, the HST petition guy as I have been called around town the last three weeks. I'm OK with it as I believe what I am doing is the right thing for this town at a crucial time for tourism following the Olympics.

I want to thank all the people for the thank yous I received as I realized it's not easy to petition when you work full time and you go out there to the businesses and people of Whistler. I want to thank Karen and Dave for the meals that they took care of for me while I set up shop in their establishment so the people of Whistler had a place to sign the petition. They understood what I was fighting for. This HST affects small business and we need these local businesses to stay in business. This is why I support small business because the HST will affect them the most. Twelve per cent on your restaurant meals... Why?

The people of B.C. (and Whistler) have spoken and all 85 ridings are at the 85 per cent threshold. Our riding of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky is at 15 per cent. Whistler is at 1,000+ signatures. Pretty phenomenal numbers when you think about it.

Like I said, I have done my part for the town and I will continue to spread the word to go sign the HST petition at Wild Willies until July 5. Something has to be done and will be done to repeal this tax. Gordon Campbell needs to listen to us now and if anything his government will be done. Let's all vote Green Party at the next election. No HST.

Doug Ryan

Whistler

Teaching bear etiquette

After reading about the horrible bear shooting situation south of Function I know that the officers don't like to shoot bears, but I am still wondering why the officer didn't shoot the dog instead. If the dog was initially attacking the bear and if it was off leash, which is against the bylaws, it seems logical that officers would shoot the perpetrator.

The Ministry of Highways should re-look at seeding with attractants in the areas along the highway that draw the bears at this time of year.

Everyone wants to see our bears. Bears are what bring people to our town in the summer. Just viewing a bear to some visitors can be a life experience.

Stopping along the highway creates traffic congestion and there needs to be signage right away on the highway stating not to stop to view our bears. Ticketing needs to be an option.